Accreditation Update April 2020

CET Accreditation Status

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, on site surveys are currently suspended indefinitely. We will work with Community and Social Services (CSS) as the crisis subsides to develop a reasonable plan to prioritize accreditation activities where they are most critical. We will also work with CSS to address measures that ensure organizations are not penalized in their accreditation due to current limitations such as training availability and changes in practices and policies to deal with the pandemic. If you have further questions regarding the status of your survey, contact your regional Accreditation Coordinator, or accred@acds.ca.

Congratulations to ACDS Level 2 Accredited Organizations

All community disability service providers must meet ACDS’ Creating Excellence Together Level 1 Accreditation as this is the minimum requirement to be funded by the Ministry of Community and Social Services; Disabilities, Inclusion and Accessibility Division (DIAD, formerly Persons with Developmental Disabilities [PDD]).

However, in additional to achieving Level 1, service providers that wish to challenge themselves to a greater degree of excellence can pursue accreditation Level 2. The following service providers have achieved Accreditation Level 2 and have earned the right to be recognized for their innovative and creative approaches to delivering quality services to individuals with development disabilities. 

Newell Community Action Group (NCAG)

NCAG was awarded Accreditation Level 2, the Complex Support Needs Designation, and Respite for Children and Adults with Disabilities following the Commission on Accreditation meeting in January 2020.

The survey team recommended that the organization be given commendations for:

• the exceptional support it gives to individuals accessing service who wish to be self advocates and attend the South Region Self-Advocacy Network
• its success in using positive procedures to eliminate the need to implement planned restrictive procedures for its individuals accessing service
• its diligence in managing funds to the extent that it can purchase items that are on both its required list and its wish list without having to borrow on credit

Universal Rehabilitation Service Agency (URSA)

Following the Commission on Accreditation meeting in January 2020, URSA was awarded Accreditation Level 2 plus accreditation for its Services for Children with Disabilities and for its Respite for Children and Adults with Disabilities.

The organization also received numerous commendations, a few of which include:

• the tenth anniversary of several of its programs (e.g., Rehab on the Mountain)
• its Members Council, which is described as “a strong and vibrant committee made up of individuals accessing service”
• the satisfaction of parents and guardians for its services to children and respite services
• its Employer of Choice program to support staff’s ongoing success in their work and future career plans
• its abundant training opportunities for frontline staff

CET Accreditation Level 1 for Adults with Developmental Disabilities

Congratulations to the following service providers for attaining CET Accreditation Level 1 in the last quarter. Your accomplishments are well appreciated by ACDS and the individuals who access your services.

• Alberta Adaptabilities Association
• Alfred Egan Home (Alberta Health Services)
• Blue Heron Vocational Training Centre
• Calgary Community Day Services Inc. (CCDS)
• Calgary Progressive Lifestyles Foundation (CPLF)
• Camrose Association for Community Living (CAFCL)
• CommunityAim - Empowering Citizens with Disabilities Society
• Health Care Homes Ltd.
• Heritage Family Services (Elysian)
• K-Bri Solutions
• kcs Association
• Loramar Services
• Marigold Enterprises Rehabilitation Services Society
• Padnoma Support Services Inc.
• Quest Support Services Inc.
• Southern Alberta Community Living Association (SACLA)
• Springboard Centre for Adults with Disabilities
• The SS I*C*E* (The Support Services for Individual Client Endeavors)
• Tralee Residential Services Ltd.
• Wheat Country Special Needs Society